Quavo led a moving tribute to his nephew and fellow Migos member Takeoff during the in memoriam segment at Sunday’s Grammy ceremony, one of several performances dedicated to artists we’ve lost in the last year.
The rapper performed “Without You,” an original song dedicated to Takeoff, who was 28 when he was fatally shot in November. Quavo peformed from the shadows, with a spotlight shining on an empty stool and microphone stand from which one of Takeoff’s chains was dangling. The performance also featured Atlanta-based Christian group Maverick City Music.
“Things ain’t the same without you,” Quavo sang. “I don’t know if I’m the same without you.”
Kacey Musgraves was among the other artists to participate in the segment with a tribute to Loretta Lynn, who died in October at 90. Musgraves sang Lynn’s signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” barefoot and surrounded by flowers. She even played Lynn’s guitar, with Lynn’s name emblazoned on its neck.
And in honor of Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, who died this year at 79, Sheryl Crow and Bonnie Raitt performed “Songbird” while Mick Fleetwood hand-drummed along.
Among those honored elsewhere in the segment: Rock legends David Crosby and Jeff Beck, Lisa Marie Presley, who died suddenly last month; songstresses Irene Cara, Naomi Judd and Olivia Newton-John; and rapper Coolio.